But the regulators contend that the cost issue is a scare tactic.

The focus of the discussions, the regulators contended, was how to control copper supplies and drive up prices.

The regulators contend that the company failed to maintain proper records for short-sale orders.

Some regulators contend the California market was toyed with by sellers of electricity to give them an unfair advantage.

Some regulators and opposing lawyers have also contended that the procedures for receiving compensation are too complicated.

Regulators contend that the practice, which began after voters passed an initiative to roll back insurance rates, is discriminatory and violates state law.

Regulators contended that the consulting work was corrupting the integrity of corporate audits.

But plant owners and regulators contend that they are modernizing in a way that improves safety.

Environmental regulators contend that without reliable warning lights, consumers will not know when their vehicles start producing unacceptable levels of pollution.

But many of those partnerships have since soured as a result of what lawyers, regulators and investors contend was fraud.